Types of Skydiving Explained

Skydiving is one of the most thrilling adventures you can experience. From the moment you jump out of the plane to the peaceful glide down to the earth, every second is packed with excitement. Having traveled the world and operated from India, I’ve seen many ways people enjoy this adrenaline rush. If you’re curious about the different ways to skydive, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through the main types of skydiving, explain what makes each unique, and help you find the style that suits you best.

Skydiving Methods Overview

Skydiving isn’t just about jumping out of a plane. There are several methods, each offering a different experience. Whether you want to fly solo, perform tricks, or jump with friends, there’s a style for you. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular skydiving methods:

• Tandem Skydiving: Perfect for beginners. You jump attached to an experienced instructor.

• Solo Skydiving: For those who want to take control and jump alone after training.

• Formation Skydiving: Jumpers create shapes and patterns in the air by holding onto each other.

• Freeflying: A fast-paced style where you dive headfirst or fly in different orientations.

• Wingsuit Flying: You wear a special suit that lets you glide like a bird.

• Canopy Piloting: Focuses on controlling the parachute close to the ground with precision.

  
  

Each method offers a unique way to experience the sky. If you want to explore more about the types of skydiving, this guide will help you understand what to expect.

Tandem Skydiving - Your First Leap

If you’ve never jumped before, tandem skydiving is the safest and easiest way to start. You’ll be harnessed to a professional instructor who controls the jump from exit to landing. This means you get to enjoy the thrill without worrying about the technical details.

Why choose tandem?

• No prior training needed.

• Instructor handles the parachute and navigation.

• You get a full freefall experience.

• Great for overcoming fear with expert support.

  
  

The jump usually happens from about 12,000 feet. You’ll freefall for around 30-60 seconds before the parachute opens. The descent under the canopy lasts several minutes, giving you time to enjoy the view and the calm after the rush.

If you want to try skydiving for the first time, tandem is the way to go. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce friends or family to the sport.

What is Skydiving Without a Parachute Called?

You might have heard about skydiving without a parachute. This is not a typical skydive but a stunt known as "BASE jumping" or "wingsuit proximity flying" when done close to cliffs or buildings. However, the most famous term for skydiving without a parachute is "human flight" or "skydiving without a chute", which is extremely dangerous and only performed by a few professionals under very controlled conditions.

One famous example is Luke Aikins, who jumped from 25,000 feet without a parachute and landed safely in a giant net. This is not something you should try or expect to do. It requires years of experience, planning, and safety measures.

For most of us, the parachute is essential. It’s your lifeline and the part that makes skydiving accessible and safe for everyone.

Formation Skydiving - Teamwork in the Air

If you love working with others and want to add a social element to your jump, formation skydiving is a fantastic choice. In this style, groups of skydivers link up in the air to create shapes or patterns. It’s like flying a living puzzle.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Usually done in groups of 4 to 8 jumpers.

• Requires good communication and timing.

• Jumpers hold onto each other’s arms or legs to form the shapes.

• It’s a mix of skill, trust, and fun.

  
  

Formation skydiving is popular in competitions and clubs. It’s a great way to improve your flying skills and meet other enthusiasts. If you want to join, you’ll need to have some solo jumps under your belt and training in body control.

Wingsuit Flying - Glide Like a Bird

Wingsuit flying is one of the most visually stunning types of skydiving. You wear a special suit with fabric stretched between your arms and legs. This creates lift and lets you glide forward instead of just falling down.

Why try wingsuit flying?

• It feels like flying, not falling.

• You can cover long distances in the air.

• It requires good control and experience.

• It’s a step up from regular skydiving.

  
  

Before you can fly a wingsuit, you need to be an experienced skydiver with many jumps. The learning curve is steep, but the reward is incredible. You get to explore the sky in a whole new way.

Wingsuit flying is also used in proximity flying, where jumpers fly close to cliffs or terrain. This adds an extra thrill but also increases risk.

Canopy Piloting - Mastering the Landing

Most people think the jump ends when the parachute opens. But the landing can be just as exciting. Canopy piloting, also called swooping, is all about controlling your parachute close to the ground.

What makes canopy piloting special?

• You perform high-speed maneuvers near the landing zone.

• It requires precise control and timing.

• You can race or perform tricks on the canopy.

• It’s a popular competitive discipline.

  
  

If you want to improve your landing skills or add a new challenge, canopy piloting is a great option. It’s also a way to extend the adrenaline rush after freefall.

Skydiving offers many ways to experience the thrill of flight. Whether you want to jump for the first time or push your limits, there’s a method that fits your style. From tandem jumps to wingsuit flying, each type brings its own excitement and challenges.

If you’re ready to explore the sky, check out the types of skydiving available and find the one that calls to you. Remember, every jump is a step toward freedom, adventure, and personal growth.

Happy skydiving!